28th Nov 2024 - 1st January 2025
Wrap up warm and head out after-dark to one of many colourful Christmas light events in South East England. Wander through dazzling light tunnels and colourful woodlands, marvel at exquisitely dressed Christmas trees and bespoke light installations, be amazed by animated light projections and stunning lantern festivals, all brightening up the long winter nights. These enchanting displays will ignite your holiday spirit, bring festive cheer and are a fantastic way to celebrate this special time of the year.
Why not catch up with family and friends at one of the free local festive light-switch on's that will be gracing our towns and villages in the lead up to Christmas Day. With twinkling fairy lights, tasty treats, Christmas carols and late-night shopping, these events are a great excuse to get together and start the festive season as you mean to go on.
Our featured illuminations showcase some of the best festive lights trail throughout South East England in starting date order. Don't forget to scroll to the bottom of the page to find many more across the destination and to explore the seasonal light switch-on events.
Take a look below for a full list of Christmas Light Trails and illumination events happening across South East England this winter, with many starting in early November and running until January 2025, giving you plenty of time to head out and enjoy a sparkling-Christmas whether you live here, are on holiday or visiting friends and family over the festive season.
Number of results: 52
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Ramsgate
Family friendly Lantern Parade taking place on New Years Eve in Ramsgate!
4.30pm - 6.30pm
The Parade route is from St George's Churchyard to Ramsgate Main Sands where the Parade will end with a fire sculpture celebrating the White Horse of…
Christmas
Wick Lane, Englefield Green
Light up your year! Windsor Great Park Illuminated returns with another magical trail, bringing the woodland to life with dazzling lights, breathtaking projections and floodlit fountain shows.
Community
Winchester
Fun for all the family, Winchester Cathedral's popular Winter event returns and everyone is welcome to join in.
The annual lantern parade returns to Winchester Cathedral, and this year the theme is Christmas Creatures.
Join Winchester Cathedral in…
Christmas
Reading
Wrap up the year with an evening of lights and lanterns in the museum garden.
Free Event
Ramsgate
Enjoy some Christmas Illuminations with a difference at the Ramsgate Royal Harbour. Pop along and enjoy the festive lights dressed on many of the boats in the harbour during December, and why not stop for dinner at one of the harbour restaurants and…
Show / Display
Brighton
The dark grip of long wintry nights is broken by a flicker of light. Started in 1993, Burning the Clocks represents an alternative to the commercial Christmas. Thousands of people gather to make paper lanterns to carry through the city before…
Christmas
Faringdon
Its the Farringdon Christmas Light Switch on Saturday 30th November
With a Christmas market, music around the Christmas tree, a Santa Grotto, festive light switch on at 5pm, and craft activities in the Corn Exchange
Christmas
Edenbridge
This Christmas, spend quality time with loved ones and enjoy a seasonal experience that celebrates the past 10 years of festive joy at Hever Castle.
Immerse yourself in a magical Christmas in the Castle, witness enchanting reimaginations of classic…
Family
Battle
Santa's Amazing Parade starts the event, heading down the High Street at 1.45pm with Santa's Sleigh, elves, reindeer and friends
Show / Display
Havant
Light up your December with a truly magical evening at Staunton Farm's Enlightened trail. From 6 to 24 December, over a mile of the farm will be transformed into an enchanted wonderland filled with specially curated illuminations. Book now and…
Show / Display
Portsmouth
We Shine Portsmouth is back for 2024 - transforming the city into a dazzling gallery of illuminated art.
Christmas
Princes Risborough
Mark the start of the festive season and join Princes Risborough Town Council on Saturday 30th November for Princes Risborough's annual Christmas Lights Switch On event!
Princes Risborough High Street will once again come alive with Christmas…
Christmas
Reading
The Reading Lantern Parade returns on Saturday 7th December. Join the parade and walk together in candlelight to Town Hall Square for a magical musical finale.
Free Event
Oxford
This December, Oxford will be illuminated with festive cheer as the Oxford Christmas Light Bus travels on the city's streets. This magical event, organised by Oxford Bus Company, City Sightseeing Oxford, and Thames Travel, in partnership with Get…
Christmas
Maidenhead
St. Luke’s church is to hold its annual Christmas Tree Festival and church will, once again, be filled with real trees and twinkling lights – symbols of hope.
Childrens Events
Lewes Road, Brighton
Tickets from Just £16 for Brighton’s Most Unique Winter Light Show...
Explore a light trail beyond the walled garden, through Stanmer’s famous orchard, and for the first time ever—walk through the beautifully illuminated Palm House.
A Winter…
Christmas
Portsmouth, Southsea and Cosham
The countdown for a magical Christmas in Portsmouth begins with a dazzling party.
Christmas
Chichester
Its the Chichester Christmas Lights Switch - taking place on Saturday 23rd November 2024. Bringing together family-friendly fun, live performances, and festive celebrations, culminating in the brand-new Light Up Chichester: The Afterparty.
Christmas
Selborne, Alton
Delve into the story of Gilbert White, discover our collections in a whole new light, and unlock your passion and an excitement for wildlife and the natural world around us. Journey through the house and gardens as we open the pages of The Natural…
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